A grant provided by the foundation more than 10 years ago provided funds to help start the program, which promotes arts education to improve student achievement.

"Arts education funding has endured dramatic cuts over the past decade, so programs such as Arts Achieve! have become a critical part of developing a creative-driven learning environment," said David Odahowski, the foundation's president.

The Arts for a Complete Education ACE of Hearts Award is the most prestigious honor given by the alliance, which supports comprehensive arts education in all Florida schools.

"The visionary leadership and generous financial support that has been provided by the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation continues to inspire us," said Mary Palmer, founder of the alliance. "Their understanding that the arts are essential to a complete education continues to shine a beacon of hope for a future in which every student will enjoy the benefits of a strong and meaningful arts education."

The Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation was created in 1973 and to date has issued more than 3,165 grants to 790 organizations, primarily in Central Florida, totaling more than $100 million.

Congratulations to the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, which this month is celebrating a major milestone — 40 years of making Central Florida a better place to live through its philanthropy. Throughout the last four decades, the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation has awarded more than...